This blog is meant to display my coins/currency notes/stamps, in an informative manner, which would be useful to users in knowing about the history of the period when these coins/banknotes/stamps were minted/printed and events/persons they honour/depict, both on Indian and foreign coins/banknotes/stamps. The content would be more in the nature of a walk down memory lane through my collection/articles.

The 12th Madhya
Pradesh Philatelic Exhibition (MAPPEX) was held at Indore, M.P. from the 5th
to 7th February 2016, conducted by the Postmaster General, Indore,
under the Madhya Pradesh Postal circle of the Department of Posts, India. The
exhibits on display included - Exhibits
from the National philatelic Museum, New Delhi, Army Postal Services, India
Security Press, Exhibits of eminent Philatelists, Postal History (including
Cancellations, Covers etc),Indian Classics (including Essays, Proofs, Specimens
etc.), General Cancellations – Pre and Post Independence India – First day
Covers, Indian airmails, Indian Postal Stationery, Stamps and Postal Stationery
from Indian States – Convention States & Feudatory or Princely States –
Aero-philately, World Philately etc. A special Souvenir containing interesting
and informative articles on Philately was brought out on the occasion along
with Special Covers and Special Pictorial Cancellations.

The
Special Cover released to commemorate “Simhasth
Kumbh Mahaparv - 2016” by the Postmaster General, Indore Region, Department
of Posts, India:

I have recently received
this Special Cover from the epostoffice,
Philately Museum New Delhi:

The Special Cover shows
the logo of the M.P. State Level Philatelic Exhibition titled “Mappex- 2016” on
the top left hand corner. To its right is given the inscription “M.P. Rajya
Stariya Dak Tikat Pradarshni “Mappex 2016” (in Hindi) and M.P. State Level
Philatelic Exhibition “Mappex 2016” (in English). Below this is the inscription
“(Kumbh) Mahaparv 2016, Ujjain Simhasth”. Further below is an image of a Sadhu
from one of the religious “Akharas” blowing a “Shankh” (Conch shell) announcing
the arrival of the Kumbh Mela. The Rs.5/- Stamp shows the picture of Sage Chattampi
Swamikal. The Cancellation Stamp is of Indore GPO and is titled “Simhasth” with
the date of Cancellation “07.02.2016”

Chattampi
Swamikal (1853-1924): was a Hindu sage and social reformer.
His thoughts and work influenced many social, religious and political organisations
and movements in Kerala and for the first time gave voice to the marginalised
sections of Society. He denounced the orthodox interpretation of Hindu texts
and strived to reform the ritualistic & caste-ridden Hindu Society of the
late 19th Century Kerala. He worked for the emancipation of women
and promoted vegetarianism and non-violence. He authored several books on
spirituality, history and language.

The Back of the Special
Cover has the inscription “Vishesh Aavaran 7 Ferwari 2016 ko Ujjain Simhasth
Mahakumbh par Jaari, Saujanya se – Dainik Bhaskar” (in Hindi) and “Special Cover released on 7th
February 2016 on Ujjain Simhasth Mahakumbh, Courtesy: Dainik Bhaskar” (in
English). There are seven pictures taken during previous Simhasth Mahakumbh
Festivals. Towards the bottom is the logo of “India Post” and the inscription
“Issued by Postmaster General, Indore region, Indore - 452001

The newspaper advertisement brought out by the Organisers. The Advt. states "Alaukik Anubhutiyon se Sakshatkar" (Interface with/Experience Divine Energies) at Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv, Ujjain 22 April to 21 May 2016. "Barah Varshon Ke Baad Shradha Aur Aastha Ka Anootha Anubhav Aapki Prateeksha Mein" ("After twelve years, a unique experience of Devotion and Belief awaits you"). There is an image of the Mahakaleshwar temple - one of the 12 Jyotirlings in India. At the bottom is an invite asking pilgrims to visit Ujjain for an experience of devotion in a vibrant world.

What
is a “Kumbh Mela”?

“Kumbh” in its literal English translation means “Pot” and it
emerged during the “Samudra Manthan”
(meaning “Churning of the Sea/Ocean”) a project which the “Devas” (Gods) and the “Asuras”
(Demons) had undertaken among themselves. The term “Mela” signifies a “Fair”.

The
Legend of the "Churning of the Ocean" or “Samudra
Manthan”:

As elaborated in the “Vedas” (Hindu Religious texts) and the “Bhagvat Purana”, “Vishnu Purana”, “Mahabharat”
and the “Ramayan” (all Hindu scriptures
& religious books), it is believed that at the
beginning of the Creation of the Universe, the “Devas” had lost their strength and to regain it, they thought of
churning the “Ksheer Sagar” (meaning “Primordial
Ocean of Milk” – akin to the “Primordial Soup”) for gaining possession of “Amrit”
(the "nectar of immortality"). They struck a truce with their enemies, the “Asuras”, with an understanding that the “Amrit” would be shared equally among
both parties.During the “Samudra Manthan”, several “Ratnas”
(treasures) emerged – goddesses, supernatural animals, “Kalpavriksh” (the tree which granted wishes/boons) valuable
adornments, a powerful bow, the moon, a pot of poison and a pot of nectar (or "Amrit" - or nectar of immortality),
among other items.

The “Devas” did not want to share the "Amrit" with the “Asuras”. At the instance of Lord Indra, the King of the “Devas”, his son Jayant tried to run away
with the pot of nectar, but he was followed by some of the “Asuras”. During the struggle for its possession, a few drops of the
“Amrit” (nectar of immortality) fell
at four places corresponding with present day – Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag),
Ujjain and Nasik on the Earth. The drops of nectar were received by the holy
rivers at these places.

The
Astrological significance & relevance of the Kumbh Festival:

Once every twelve years,
the same astrological configuration falls into place at one of the four places –
Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik
and Ujjjain –, similar to the placement of the planets during the period of the
“Samudra Manthan”. This configuration
triggers the bubbling of all the holy waters into which the drops of “Amrit” had fallen (the River Saraswati at Allahabad (Prayag), the River
Ganga at Haridwar, the River Godavari at Nasik and the River Kshipra at Ujjain) and Cosmic Energy
begins to spread upto a radius of about 45 km in the holy rivers from the
epicentre.

At Ujjain, this Cosmic Energy
flow happens in the centre-point of the River Kshipra that flows adjoining to
the ancient Mahakaleshwar Temple – one of the “Jyotirlings” in India.

Within this invisible
bubbling source of the highest Cosmic Energy lies the secret to human
redemption, salvation and immortality.

It is believed that “Amrit”
keeps on spurting into these holy waters during the entire period of the Kumbh Mela and a dip in these waters
during this time, results in the subtle energy points in our human aura and our
physical human body to absorb these Cosmic Energies fully. This, in turn, has
the effect of bringing about a change in the mind, body and spirit, thereby
affecting one’s destiny to become better.

It is also believed that these
Energies also create a direct Cosmic link to the Heavens and absolves the
devotee of past misdeeds/sins and the person starts with a clean slate looking
towards a better future.

The Auric absorption of
the Cosmic Energy is so high that it also helps a pilgrim to connect through
the Cosmic Energies with the spirits of 88 generations of his past ancestors
and purge and absolve them of any sins committed during their lifetimes on
Earth.

As such, “Kumbh” is held at each of the three
places – Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik – while “Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv” is held at Ujjain, once every 12 years. Determining the location of the Kumbh:

The position of the Sun,
Moon and Jupiter in different Zodiac signs determines the location of the “Kumbh” in each of these four centres.

Kumbh
in Haridwar: When the Sun is in the Zodiac sign Aries
and Jupiter is in Aquarius, the “Kumbh
Mela” is held in Haridwar.

Kumbh
in Allahabad (Prayag):
When the Sun is in Capricorn and Jupiter is in Taurus, it is held in Allahabad
(Prayag).

Kumbh
in Nasik: When Jupiter enters the Zodiac Sign Leo,
it is held in Nasik. It is also held in Nasik, when Jupiter, Sun and Moon enter
the Zodiac sign Cancer on “Amavasya”.

The position of the Celestial orbs at the time of the Ujjain "Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv".

Kumbh
in Ujjain: Ujjain, one of the most sacred places in
India, is located on the banks of the sacred River Kshipra in the western
region of Madhya Pradesh. The Kumbh is held in Ujjain when a rare configuration
of planets takes place which happens once in 12 years. When the Sun (in
Sanskrit “Surya”) is in the Zodiac
Sign Aries (in Sanskrit “Mesh”) and
Jupiter (in Sanskrit “Brahaspati”) is in the Zodiac Leo (in Sanskrit “Simha”), the Kumbh Mela takes place in
Ujjain. Considering its relevance to the Zodiac “Leo” (meaning “Simha” in Sanskrit), the Kumbh is also
referred to as “Simhasth Kumbh”.

The
Yogs or important alignments of the celestial orbs corresponding to important
days in the Festival:

There are ten unique and
uncommon “Yogs” (alignments of the
celestial orbs) which exist and facilitate the organising of the “Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv”.

The four other Yogs available during the one month duration of
“Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv” are Sun (Surya)
in Aries (Mesh) from 21.04.2016 to
21.05.2016, “Swati Nakshatra” on
20.05.2016, “Vyati-pati Yog” on
19.05.2016 and on Mondays – 25.04.2016, 02.05.2016, 09.05.2016 and 16.05.2016.

Interestingly, in Era
2073 “Vikram Samvat”, “Shiv-Vishati” has a part known as “Som
Yog”. As such, Ujjain has a great importance because it is a city of Lord
Shiva.

Simhasth
Kumbh Mahaparv - 2016:

“Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv” derives its name from the “Pot of
Immortality” or (“Amrit Kund” or pot
containing the “nectar of immortality”).

At the time of its
occurrence, it is believed that there is the presence of a lot of spiritual
energy all over the place during this holy event. It is a unique opportunity
where one gets a chance to meet several spiritual seekers, “sadhus” (saints) and “sadhaks” (meaning persons who are on the
“path of spiritual search & enlightenment”) and to interact with them and
seek the blessings.

The “Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv” is going to take place from 22nd
April to 21st May 2016 ( in Sanskrit & as per the Indian
calendar this is the period between “Chaitra Shukla Purnima – Vaishakh Shukla
Purnima, Vikram Samvat 2073”).

It is a great bathing
festival which is expected to have over 50 million or 50,000,000 persons from
all walks of life coming from across the world, participating in the Kumbh Mela
to celebrate this auspicious month and to take the holy dip. The ceremonial
bathing takes place in the River Kshipra on full moon day of Chaitra month and
continues at different intervals during the entire month of Vaishakh,
culminating on the tenth full moon day.

Pilgrims visit the “Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling” and other ancient temples in and around Ujjain and
thereafter find spiritual solace in “Satsangs”
(spiritual gatherings) and “Sankirtan”
(singing of spiritual songs, invoking the Gods), in “Mahaparv Kshetra” or the “Mela
Kshetra” (the “Fair grounds”) with the great “Sadhus” (Mystics & holy men).

The
cultural events:

Traditionally, Simhasth Mahaparv is celebrated by
various Akharas (“Schools of Thought”
or “Religious Sects”) in which a “Peshwal”
(or “Procession”) is organised in which
the heads of the Akharas (holy men)
sit on silver thrones (“Simhasans”)
on elephants with Sadhus on horses and camels, followed by Sadhus, hermits and
devotees on foot.

During the Simhasth
Mahaparv 2016, various events are being organised by the Akharas – Bhagwat Katha, Ram Katha, Bhajan, Havan,
Sunderkand, Pujan, Yoga, cultural events, exhibitions and sports.
Traditionally, the Dutta Akhara Zone is occupied by the “Shaiv Panthis” (Followers of the Shiva Religious Sect) and
Mangalnath Zone is occupied by the “Vaisnav
Panthis” (Followers of the Vaishnav Religious Sect).

The
dip of immortality and attaining Moksh (liberation from the cycle of
birth-death-rebirth):

The holy dip in the
Kshipra River is taken on the auspicious days at a defined time at which it is
believed that “Nectar” from the “Kumbh” (Pot) was dropped in the holy River and Cosmic Energies flow at their highest intensities. It
is believed that the Kshipra River on these occasions purifies the soul and
washes away the sins of all the persons who take a dip in its waters and they
get “Moksh” (Salvation) and put an
end to the perpetual cycle of birth – death – rebirth.Posted on 07.05.2016:

I have yesterday received
this Special Cover on the first "Shahi Snan" (meaning "Royal Bath") at the Simhasth Kunbha Mahaparv 2016, from the epostoffice,
Philately Museum New Delhi:

The above is an image of the Special Cover issued on the occasion. Mentioned on the Front of the Cover is "Pratham Shahi Snan, Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv 2016, Ujjain (M.P.) both in Hindi and English. There is a background of the river Shipra with an image of the Mahakaleshwar Temple in the foreground. Also seen is an assorted group of "Sadhus" ("mendicants") pictured on a Conch shell. There is an image of the Emblem of the "Simhastha Kumbha Mahaparv 2016". The Rs.5/- stamp is on the "International Day of Yoga- 21.06.2015" and shows the Emblem of International Day of Yoga. The Cancellation Stamp is inscribed " Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv 2016 both in Hindi and English and is of Ujjain Head Post Office. The Cancellation is dated "22.04.2016" which is the starting day of the Festival.

The Back of the Special Cover shows pictures of various facets of the Banks of the River Shipra - a crowd of bathers on the Ghats and the steps (Ghats) leading to the River Shipra. There is the name of the issuing Authority : "Office of the Postmaster General Indore Region, Indore".Posted on 21.05.2016:“Panchkroshi Yatra”:

I have yesterday received the Special Cover on the Panchkroshi Yatra at Ujjain, from the epostoffice, National Philatelic Museum, New Delhi:

The Front of the Special Cover is titled "Sinhatha Kumbh Mahaparv 2016 Ujjain, and exhibits a map of the entire Panchkroshi pilgrimage. Below the map is inscribed "Panchkroshi Yatra, Ujjain" (in both Hindi and English". The Rs.5/- postage stamp is from another hindu text titled "Jayadeva Aur Geetgovind" which was issued in 2005. The Cancellation stamp reads "Simhasth, Panchkroshi Yatra". The cancellation is of Ujjain Head Office and is dated "01.05.2016".

"Special Cover: Released on 1st May 2016 on First day of "Panchkroshi Yatra". Courtesy: Dainik Dhaskar. (in English)."

In the centre are given five images inside various temples which the pilgrims visit during the Yatra.

At the bottom is mentioned the name of the issuing authority: Postmaster General, Indore Region, Indore. There is also the logo of India Post.

This pamphlet shows six images inside various temples which the pilgrims visit during the Yatra and mentions the name of the sponsor: Dainik Bhaskar.

About the Panchkroshi Yatra:

The “Panchkroshi Yatra” has a long history and a large number of
devotees particularly from the rural areas participate in this event every
year. This year the number of pilgrims in the Yatra has almost doubled to
around 600,000 due to the Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv.

The “Panchkroshi Yatra” is an integral part of folk life, religion and
culture. The Yatra has found a mention in the “Avantikhand of Skandpuran” (meaning “the Avanti chapter of the Skand Puran, an ancient Hindu text”),
according to which, there are four “dwaars”
(“doors, entry points or gates”) around “Mahakaal
Van” (meaning the “Mahakaal forest”) -
“Pingleshwar” in the East, “Vilvakeshwar” in the West, “Uttareshwar” in the North and “Kayavarohaneshwar” in the South.

In the “Panchkroshi Yatra”, pilgrims perform “Pradkashina of Ujjain City” (circumambulation)
and then take rest on the Banks of the River Kshipra to finish the “Astha Teerth Yatra” (meaning the “Eight
holy places pilgrimage”).

“Panchkroshi
Yatra” commences on “Vaishakh
Krishna Paksh Dashmi” (date as per the Hindu calendar) and culminates on “Amavasya” (date as per the Hindu calendar).
This year, the “Amavasya” fell on
Monday (“Somvati Amavasya”), which
greatly multiplied/enhanced the significance/importance of the “Yatra”. Legend has it that the pilgrims
in the Yatra are absolved of their sins after paying obeisance to the God “Nagchandreshwar Mahadev” (Lord Shiva –
the God with the crescent moon and garland of a snake).

The “Yatra” pilgrims reach Pingleshwar
on “Ekadashi” festival (the Festival
of Lord Shiva) on the first day of the “Yatra”.
They perform the worship of the 81stPingleshwarMahadev. It
is believed that the homes of Panchkroshi
pilgrims are blessed with prosperity and wisdom. The “Dharmraj” (“Yama”, the God of Death. He allots a place in Heaven or
Hell as per the sins committed by a soul during its time on Earth) in “Swarg” (heaven) too also takes the fact
that they have done this pilgrimage and gives them full respect.

Panchkroshi
pilgrims also perform the worship of “Kayavarohaneshwar”
(Shivling), the 82nd of 84
Mahadevs on “Dwadashi” (next day to the Festival of Ekadashi). Legend has it that whosoever performs the worship of “Kayavarohaneshwar” on “Dwadashi”, gets
rid of all his sins and would find a place in heaven.

Panchkroshi pilgrims reach
Jethal village and offer prayers to the 84thDardureshwar Mahadev on “Vaishakh
Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi”. It is believed that the forefathers of the
pilgrims too get salvation after these prayers are offered.

The Panchkroshi pilgrims,
who reach Ujjain on "Amavasya", once again offer prayers to Nagchandreshwar
Mahadev after day-long “Ashta Teerth
Yatra” and then resume their journey by offering prayers to “Ashwashaskti”. The number of women is
far more than men in the "Panchkroshi Yatra". The pilgrims, who undertake the
journey with complete independence, halt at several places and perform “Bhajans” (Devotional songs”) and music
during the "Yatra". For the villagers it is a religious festival.

With the “Parikrama” (circling) of Ujjain city,
they perform the "Parikrama" of all the 84 Mahadevs. It is believed that Ujjain
has 84 Mahadevs and “Darshan”
(visiting) of all of them gets the pilgrims rid of 84,00,000 “Yonis” (life-times).

Posted on 23.06.2016:

The above image is of a Special Cover received by me yesterday from the epostoffice. It depicts the main "Snan" ghats ("Bathing areas") alongside the Kshipra River - Ram Ghat, Bhukhimata Ghat, Cintaman Ghat, Trivegi Ghat, Rinmukteshwar Ghat, Prashanti Dham Ghat, Mangalnath Ghat and Nrisingh Ghat. The images of the ghats are contained in a "Damru" ( a hand held musical drum which makes rhythmic beats when it is played. This instrument is a favourite with Lord Shiva, the main Hindu Deity of the Mahakumbh Festival). The Rs.5/- stamp is from the set of stamps depicting "Jaideva and Geet Govind" which was issued in 2008. The Cancellation stamp is titled "Simhasth Mahaparv, Ujjain, 2016, Main Snan Ghats of Simhasth Mahaparv, Ujjain 2016. Ujjain Head Office. The Cancellation date is "21.06.2016", the last date of the Mahakumbh Festival.

The Back of the above Special Cover shows images of pilgrims bathing at various Ghats. The issuer is "Office of the Postmaster General, Indore Region". This face also shows the logo of India Post.

The above image is of another Special Cover received by me yesterday from the epostoffice. It depicts the main Temples of Ujjain: Mahakaal Mandir ("Temple"), Gopal Mandir, Jantar Mandir, Siddh Vat, ISCON Mandir, Mangalnath Mandir, Kaalbhairav Mandir, Chintaman Ganesh Mandir and Bhartari Gufa ("Gufa" meaning "Cave"). The Rs.5/- stamp is titled "Greetings". The cancellation stamp is inscribed " Ujjain Darshan" (in Hindi) and "Ujjain Sight" (in English). The cancellation is of Ujjain HO and is dated "09.05.2016".

About Me

I am Rajeev Prasad, a retired State Bank of India officer who had been collecting coins in a shoe box without having a serious interest. Only after quitting my job I got the time to take serious interest in developing my coin collection into a hobby. A pity, because I would have had more opportunity to lay my hands on more 'exclusive coins' while in the Bank. Anyway, as they say,better late than never. If you have any views to share with me regarding this blog , please contact me on my email rajeevprasad1208@gmail.com. I also have a twitter account @prasad_rajeev.
I had an opportunity to participate in a Documentary on the life and times of the 25 paise coin titled “Chal Basi Chavanni” (The four anna/twenty five paise coin passes away), aired by STAR NEWS on 29th and 30th June 2011. The programme helped in making many persons hold back onto their “chavannis”, the little round beauties, instead of returning them to Banks .